New Unit Will Counter Hostile Activity in Orbit
The United Kingdom is creating a new military space squadron tasked with countering hostile activity and protecting British interests in space.
Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth announced the formation of the unit at the UK Space Power Conference in London.
Known as No. 3 Space Effects Squadron, the new formation will conduct both offensive and defensive space missions. Smyth said its specialist personnel would be able to “disrupt, degrade and deny” hostile activity across the space domain.
London Emphasizes Deterrence
The British official said no one wants a war in space, but warned that the United Kingdom is witnessing an increasing number of “irresponsible and provocative actions” by its adversaries.
The new squadron is therefore being presented as a deterrence and space-defense capability. Its missions could include supporting military operations, protecting national space systems and countering activities considered threatening.
The announcement came only days after senior U.S. military officials publicly acknowledged that the United States currently has on-orbit space-control weapons capable of defending joint forces against hostile action.
New Squadron Expands Britain’s Space Structure
No. 3 Space Effects Squadron will join two existing British space units.
No. 1 Space Operations Squadron works with the National Space Operations Centre to track potentially hazardous objects, including space debris and other bodies in Earth orbit.
No. 2 Space Warning Squadron is responsible for missile-warning missions and space-tracking capabilities.
London plans to expand the structure further. Smyth said the United Kingdom is preparing to establish Nos. 4, 5 and 6 squadrons, along with a dedicated space tactics and training branch.
DARC Radar Network to Strengthen Orbital Surveillance
A central element of the expansion will be the Deep Space Advanced Radar capability, known as DARC.
The program is being developed by the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. It is intended to detect and track satellites, space debris and asteroids in Earth orbit.
The network will use three sites, one in each participating country. According to the British Ministry of Defence, the arrangement will provide continuous 360-degree coverage of the sky, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.
New Center to Integrate Air, Space and Missile Defense
Britain is also developing a dedicated space-defense function within a new Integrated Air, Space and Missile Defence Operations Centre.
The future facility will modernize the United Kingdom’s existing national air and missile defense operations center. The project forms part of a £400 million, or approximately $530 million, Defence Investment Plan aimed at replacing aging command-and-control systems and sensors.
The plan includes an initial £40 million investment in the upgraded center.
Billions Allocated to Space Capabilities
The British Defence Investment Plan allocates £3.2 billion to space capabilities over the next four years.
Around £2.3 billion will be directed toward satellite communications, while £880 million will support space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
From 2030 to 2035, the United Kingdom plans to spend at least £9 billion on new capabilities for the space domain.
Britain’s national space strategy for 2027–2035 also includes an interagency spending plan of more than £7.8 billion through 2030.
